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Friday, May 12, 2017

The Weekend Effect

The Weekend Effect: The Life Changing Benefits of Taking Time Off and Challenging the Cult of Overwork / Katrina OnstadToronto: HarperCollins, c2017.304 p.Now this is the opposite of the last book I read,How to Be a Bawse. Instead of recommending hustle, it recommends slowing down the ever-increasing pace of 24/7 work and taking time away from identifying only as a paid worker, whatever it is you do. I don't know if the different perspective is down to age, life stage, economic status, or what -- but it seems like these two books are talking to totally different readers. Onstad is a journalist, and that shows in this book -- it's a carefully constructed series of chapters that provide research to support the tips that are given in a quick list near the end of the book. I suggest reading the cheat sheet first, then going back to see more info on each.How do you reclaim your weekend as restorative time-off? Take a look at these ideas:

I found the book very well laid out; lots of ideas and lots of research to back it up, told in a readable manner. It encourages readers to think of themselves as human beings with the need for connection and down-time and beauty, with a soul that needs restoration from the daily grind of making a living. I feel that high-powered professionals who work hours and hours a week to the exclusion of other parts of their lives could really benefit from these tips. But it also pinpoints the new entrepreneur, the one who puts everything into their business, or who is a freelancer and thus always on -- even working for yourself you need some time off from Work. So a great reminder for those who've been hustling for a long time and are heading toward burnout if they don't slow down. I especially loved the idea of making space, wandering, wondering. I think that every reader will find at least one or two ideas that resonate with them, as something they could incorporate into their lives. I already consciously "do less" in order to own my time, but actively searching out opportunities to play and to encounter beauty sounds like a plan. Do you feel that you manage your time for yourself well? If so, any tips? But if you're feeling overwhelmed or work-burdened, I do suggest this quick read as a spur for self-care.